Senior Optical Test Engineer: Photonics Lab Automation

Barrington James; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James partners with an established quantum technology company to recruit a Senior Optical Test Engineer who will own optical characterisation capabilities for evaluating advanced integrated photonic devices.

The role is highly practical, involving designing laboratory test systems, automating measurements, and collaborating with R&D teams to improve device performance throughout development.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering or another relevant discipline.
• Several years of industry or research experience with optical measurement systems.
• Hands‑on experience building and operating optical laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with lasers, fibre‑optic components and precision optical alignment.
• Experience programming automated test equipment using Python, MATLAB or similar languages.
• Strong understanding of experimental data analysis and measurement uncertainty.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical test platforms for evaluating integrated photonic components and devices.
• Design, commission and maintain laboratory measurement setups for ambient and low-temperature testing.
• Improve efficiency and repeatability of optical measurements through automation and software development.
• Create robust characterisation methods for a wide range of photonic devices.
• Analyse experimental data to provide clear performance feedback to engineering and design teams.
• Work with photonic designers, packaging engineers and systems teams to troubleshoot devices and improve platform performance.
• Support the introduction of new testing capabilities as products move through development.
• Produce clear technical documentation covering equipment, procedures and test results.

Skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Experimental testing

Education

MSc/PhD in Physics, Photonics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Barrington James partners with an established quantum technology company to recruit a Senior Optical Test Engineer who will own optical characterisation capabilities for evaluating advanced integrated photonic devices.

The role is highly practical, involving designing laboratory test systems, automating measurements, and collaborating with R&D teams to improve device performance throughout development.